Hematology Frontier

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are susceptible to infections due to impaired humoral and cellular immunity. Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) are crucial in CLL treatment. Recent studies have shown an increased incidence of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) (0.5% to 12.1%) in patients receiving BTKi treatment, particularly central nervous system infections. From April 14th to 17th, 2024, the 50th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT2024) was held in Glasgow, UK. At the meeting, a retrospective study from KU Leuven in Belgium showed that the incidence of IFDs in CLL patients receiving BTKi treatment was 4.6%, and IFDs mainly occurred in the presence of concurrent risk factors. The researchers stated that the study data did not support routine use of antifungal prophylaxis in CLL patients receiving BTKi treatment. “Oncology Frontier - Hematology Frontier” invited Professor Yang Liang from Sun Yat-sen University Affiliated Cancer Hospital to provide insightful commentary on this study.

In January 2023, a study led by Professor Jianxiang Wang from Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College was published…

In January 2023, Professor Jianmin Wang from Department of Hematology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital published a commentary on Blood Science. The title of the study is "Big stride in gene therapy for hemophilia B in China". This article reviewed the development of treatment of hemophilia B (HB) in China, and the translational potential of gene therapy in HB.

In January 2023, a  study led by Professor Bing Liu from Fifth Medical Center, Medical Innovation Research Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital was published in the international academic journal ——Blood Science . The title of the study is "Hematopoietic stem cell heterogeneity in non-human primates revealed by five-lineage output bias analysis". This study elucidates the intricate dynamics of HSC diversity and lineage output bias in NHPs, providing insights valuable for both basic research and clinical applications

In January 2023, a  study led by Professor Xiao Jun Huang from Peking University People's Hospital was published in the international academic journal ——Blood Science . The title of the study is "Machine learning algorithm as a prognostic tool for Epstein-Barr virus reactivation after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation". This study elucidates the machine learning algorithm-based model for predicting EBV reactivation after haploidentical HSCT demonstrates not only promising results but also a transformative potential for personalized post-transplant care.

In July 2023, a study led by Professor Zhijian Xiao from Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College was published in the international academic journal ——Blood Science . The title of the study is "Micheliolide exerts effects in myeloproliferative neoplasms through inhibiting STAT3/5 phosphorylation via covalent binding to STAT3/5 proteins". This study elucidates micheliolide (MCL) is a promising drug in combination with ruxolitinib for the treatment of MPNs.

Amidst the gentle breeze of early summer, the annual "Nanjing Lymphoma Forum" was grandly held in the historic city of Nanjing. This offline event gathered renowned experts in the field of lymphoma from both domestic and international spheres. Through lectures, case discussions, and other formats, the forum facilitated exchanges on the latest achievements and developments in basic and clinical lymphoma research. "Oncology frontier- Hematology frontier" had the privilege of interviewing Professor Jun Zhu, one of the conference chairs and a prominent figure from Peking University Cancer Hospital. He shared the latest research on new drugs such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, and Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, emphasizing the crucial role of clinical trials in lymphoma treatment.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy (CAR-T) is a novel cellular immunotherapy technology that has shown excellent efficacy in the treatment of refractory relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Despite this, a significant number of patients do not respond to the treatment or experience relapse and progression. How to further improve the efficacy of CAR-T cells is a key focus of future research. At the recently held "2024 Nanjing Lymphoma Forum," Professor Wenbin Qian from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine delivered a brilliant report titled "Mechanisms of CAR-T Resistance Based on DLBCL Pathological Characteristics and Countermeasures." After the conference, "Oncology Frontier - Hematologie Frontier" invited Professor Wenbin Qian for an interview to further discuss this topic.

Graft failure is a rare but fatal complication following haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. A second transplant is almost the only salvage measure for transplant failure. However, outcomes from second transplants have generally been poor, as reported in previous literature. The 50th European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) annual meeting was held in Glasgow, UK, from April 14th to 17th, 2024. The conference focused on the latest advancements in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy, driving better clinical outcomes for patients with blood disorders. At this conference, a team led by Professor Yuqian Sun from Peking University People's Hospital presented their findings in an oral report titled "Salvage Haploidentical Transplantation with Flu/Cy Regimen and Donor Switching After Primary Graft Failure: Follow-Up Results," which garnered significant attention. Professor Sun was invited to share the main results of this study and the progress in salvage treatments for graft failure after haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

As scheduled, the 2024 China Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) guidelines conference has arrived, with many CSCO oncology treatment guidelines being updated or published for the first time. In the field of hematologic oncology, the much-anticipated CAR-T cell therapy guidelines have been significantly updated. The "CSCO CAR-T Cell Therapy for Malignant Hematological Diseases and Management of Related Infections Guidelines 2023" (referred to as the 2023 Guidelines) has been renamed to "CSCO CAR-T Cell Therapy for Malignant Hematological Diseases Guidelines 2024" (referred to as the 2024 Guidelines). At the conference, Professor Wenjun Zhang from Tongji Hospital affiliated with Tongji University and the Tongji University Institute of Hematology shared the key updates of the 2024 Guidelines. The highlights are organized below for our readers.